<h4>Chapter 73: Bonds and Business</h4>


    Anna’s POV


    I walked into the main house just as William finished his calligraphy practice. The old man’s face lit up when he spotted me, his eyes crinkling at the corners with genuine delight.


    "Annie! What a pleasant surprise. It’s been a while, hasn’t it? You must be keeping busy."


    I shot Marcus a sideways nce, something clicking in my mind. *He lied about William inviting me to dinner.* The realization sent a sh of irritation through me, but I maintained myposure, offering William a warm smile.


    "Yes, it’s been hectictely. Just returned from a business trip," I replied, smoothly hiding my annoyance at Marcus’s little deception.


    I decided to let go of Marcus’s white lie and naturally shifted to business matters. With the Murphys, I never felt the need to filter my professional concerns.


    "Thepetition in physical products is fierce these days, and online sales aren’t any easier," I sighed, feeling the weight of my responsibilities.


    Especially for Phoenix project’s biotech products-they’re not cheap, and sales have been declining quarter after quarter. The R&D team is getting anxious too. Declining sales could mean R&D budget cuts."


    William’s eyes sparkled with wisdom.


    "Aren’t influencer endorsements trendy now? Have you tried that?" He waved me over. "Come sit down. It’s getting cold—let’s have some hot pot to warm up."


    I was touched by his thoughtfulness, noticing the butler had prepared all the ingredients, even mixing the dipping sauce exactly how I liked it.


    The feeling of being remembered, being cared for, spread a gentle warmth through my chest.


    We had barely settled in when Catherine appeared, drawn by the aroma. The moment she walked in Einstein the parrot squawked "Troublemaker!" at her, making me bite back a smile.


    "This stupid bird can’t tell beautiful women apart, always mistaking me for you," Catherine pouted, thenined, "Having hot pot without inviting me? I’m starting to think you’re the real Murphy granddaughter here."


    William gave his actual granddaughter a disapproving look. "Who’s the one sleeping until noon every day?"


    "I’m very diligent now, thank you very much," Catherine protested, her voice filled with indignation. "I go to the office almost daily, and once my newpany’s renovations areplete, I’ll be building my career too!"


    "Yes, yes, ambition is good. You’re all excellent children," William said kindly, treating us with equal affection.


    I felt a twinge of envy at Catherine’s energy but quickly steered the conversation back to business. "We’ve tried online promotion too, but the results were underwhelming. We don’t have the brand influence ofrgerpanies. Consumers trust established names more." My voice carried a note of defeat.


    Marcus casually picked up the serving chopsticks and selected a piece of beef.


    "Perhaps you could film a documentary about the development process?"


    He ced the beef in my bowl without thinking. The casual intimacy of the gesture made my heart skip.


    I turned the idea over in my mind, excitement gradually building.


    "Marcus, do you also study current content marketing trends?" I couldn’t help asking, curious about his knowledge in this area.


    "Just the basics," he replied simply, but his modest answer sparked something in me.


    The more I considered it, the more viable the concept seemed. My enthusiasm ignited like dry kindling catching fire. "Our previous promotions only showcased the final products. Despite detailed exnations, consumers don’t truly understand their value. The Phoenix project’s essence is innovative technology-its potential to transform lives. You can’t see that just by looking at finished products."


    As I spoke, determination solidified within me. A long-absent sense of drive and hope surged through my chest. I hurriedly apologized to the three of them, then stepped aside to make a call, immediately arranging for my team to implement this new approach.


    Catherine’s POV


    "Anna reminds me of myself when I was young," Grandfather William said, his voice carrying that familiar note of affection. "That same fire, that same determination."


    "Just wait," I dered, setting my teacup down with perhaps a touch more force than necessary. "I’m going to follow Anna’s path and be the first female powerhouse in the Murphy family."


    Grandfather’sugh rumbled through the elegant sitting room, deep and knowing. "The first? I wouldn’t be so certain, my dear."


    I blinked, confusion temporarily discing my confidence. Who could he possibly be referring to?


    The slight shift in Grandfather’s gaze answered my unspoken question. He was looking past me, toward where Anna stood at the far end of the room, phone pressed to her ear as she handled some business matter with her usual efficiency.


    Understanding dawned on me like sunrise warm and illuminating rather than harsh or threatening. Grandfather already viewed Anna as a future member of the Murphy family, suggesting a developing rtionship between her and Uncle Marcus. This realization didn’t bring the sting of jealousy I might have expected.


    Instead, I felt a wave of admiration for my friend.


    I turned to Uncle Marcus, who’d been silently observing our exchange. "If Anna bes the first female powerhouse in the Murphy family, I’m happy to concede that position."


    There wasn’t a trace of envy in my voice, only sincere respect. Anna had earned her ce in our family’s esteem through sheer brilliance and determination.


    Uncle Marcus studied me with those prating eyes that always made me feel like he was reading every thought in my head. "What do you want, Catherine? Just say it."


    My heart skipped a beat at this unexpected opening. I immediately shifted into my slightly ttering tone, the one I reserved for serious business discussions.


    "Uncle Marcus, if you ever have any business opportunities, please remember me." I tried to sound confident yet humble. "I’d really appreciate your support."


    He continued his unnerving assessment, those dark eyes never wavering. After what felt like an eternity, he simply stated, "There’s a profitable project avable right now."


    My eyes widened, excitement bubbling up inside me. "What is it?"


    "The Skke District project."


    I frowned, confusion recing my initial enthusiasm. "But I was already nning to invest in the Skke project to help Anna if she needed additional funds."


    As if summoned by the mention of her name, Anna rejoined our group, having finished her call. "Uncle Marcus is suggesting Catherine invest in Skke?" She caught the tail end of our conversation, one eyebrow raised in question.


    I turned to her, spreading my hands.


    "Anna, I was already nning to help you if you needed funds. What’s the difference?"


    "It’s different," Uncle Marcus replied cryptically, taking a sip of his tea.


    "Why is it different?" Anna and I asked in unison, exchanging nces.


    Grandfather William couldn’t contain himself any longer. He leaned forward, his eyes sparkling with that familiar gleam of business acumen.


    "You two brilliant yet naive girls!" he eximed, shaking his head with affectionate exasperation. "If Catherine invests personally in Anna’s project, it only eases some financial pressure. But if she invests through her ownpany, she’ll have the entire Murphy family backing her." He looked between us expectantly. "Do you understand now?"


    The lightbulb went off in my head. *Of course*. This wasn’t just about money —it was about leverage, influence, and strategic alliance. The difference between a personal favor and a powerful business partnership.


    I gave both men an enthusiastic thumbs up. "The older generation really knows their stuff! I’ve learned so much from both of you."


    Then I turned to Anna, friendship and loyalty shining in my eyes. I reached out and squeezed her hand firmly.


    "Darling, when mypany officiallyunches, my first contract will be with you."


    Anna’s POV


    "Agreed," I replied, aplex wave of emotions washing over me.


    The simple word belied the significance of what had just happened. The same investment under a different name changed everything.


    While Phillip Murphy had publicly expressed disinterest in Skke District, Catherine’s involvement meant something entirely different. My pulse quickened as realization dawned.


    This arrangement essentially positioned the Murphy family as my ally. If I partnered with Samuel Griffin, that calcting bastard would think twice before trying to take advantage of me. Even the Simpson family would need to tread carefully.


    I nced up, identally meeting Marcus’s prating gaze. My heart skipped a beat. This was clearly his doing-securing me a powerful ally.


    He’d orchestrated this effortlessly, like moving a chess piece into the perfect position.


    Truthfully, I’d considered simr approaches, but I valued my rtionship with the Murphy family too deeply. I could ept a favor from Catherine, but I didn’t want to drag her into potential trouble. Using the Murphy family connection felt exploitative. I could handle financial losses, but damaging my rtionship with Catherine and her family? That was unthinkable.


    But now, with the Murphy family themselves suggesting the arrangement, and Marcus confidently assuring me Skke wouldn’t lose money, I was genuinely thrilled about partnering with Catherine.


    After dinner, I personally poured tea for everyone, gathering my courage to ask, "Uncle Marcus, how long will you be staying this time?"


    Marcus looked at me, his eyes unfathomable. "I’m leaving tonight."


    William snorted beside him. "Marcus just has too much money to burn."


    "So I shouldn’te back for Thanksgiving?" Marcus countered smoothly.


    William seemed unconcerned, his tone knowing. "What does it matter to me whether you return? Feel free not to."


    Marcus’s response was brief but loaded with meaning. "I can’t do that."


    Everyone’s eyes shifted to me. I felt my scalp tingle with sudden self-consciousness and quickly sipped my tea to mask my difort. I didn’t dare speak again.


    --


    The Sapphire Sky Hotel’s top-floor restaurant offered a stunning night view of Skyview City, but I barely noticed it. I stared into my water ss. lost in thought. Rachel, unaware of my ns, had ordered wine for me.


    I’d only learned that afternoon about pregnancy preparation requirements— no smoking, no alcohol, no medications. I’d previously known nothing about pregnancy, and remembering the cocktails I’d had at Paisley’s party, I worried about potential effects. My anxiety mounted by the minute.


    At ten o’clock, my phone vibrated.


    [Not here yet?)


    [Coming up now.]


    I took a deep breath, finished my lemon water, and headed for Room 3303.


    The room was dark when I entered, illuminated only by the city lights filtering through the partially opened curtains. I didn’t need light to find my way-we’d done this dance before.


    The familiar scent of his cologne wrapped around me,forting yet exciting.


    His touch was different tonight— slower, more deliberate. I closed my eyes, surrendering to the sensation.


    "You’re so tense tonight," he murmured, his voice low and sensual enough to make my bones melt.


    I held his head close, my heartbeat racing, breathing uneven. I’d carefully calcted using methods I’d learned online these days were my fertile period. I wondered if my n would seed.


    "I need to ask you something," I ventured breathlessly.


    He responded with a soft "Hmm?"


    "No more smoking, and no... no more drinking," I managed between shallow breaths, my skin already covered with a thin sheen of sweat.


    "Alright," he agreed quietly, his voice carrying unwavering determination.


    Later, as wey entangled in sheets, my thoughts drifted to the irony of my situation. Here I was, deliberately trying to get pregnant by a man whose face I’d never seen clearly, all to avoid the marriage pressures from my family and theplications of three men pursuing me. My life had be a surreal melodrama.


    - - -


    The next morning, my phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. Samuel Griffin had called three times before I finally answered while reviewing documents in my office.


    "What’s your game, Shaw?" His voice held that familiar sharp edge. "Any idea who our mystery opponent might be?"


    I kept my tone neutral. "I’m just as curious as you are."


    After Samuel hung up, Rachel approached with renovation updates for old massion. I only half-listened, my mind upied with thetest development: the Skke District auction date had been announced, and the businessmunity’s reaction was strangely subdued. Everyone seemed to be holding their breath, waiting.


    Later that afternoon, Catherine called to discuss the situation.


    "They’re all keeping their cards close," I said, sipping water andughing softly. "Everyone’s nning something big."


    Catherine sounded excited. "Wonder who’ll make the first move."


    I changed the subject. "Are you going to the Porter family’s birthday party in a couple days?"


    She sighed dramatically. "Of course.


    There are at least two birthday parties every month, plus five or six other events. I barely have time to shop anymore."